New Beginnings: Rosh Hashana

Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish year, a time infused with the themes of renewal, repentance, and reflection. It’s an opportunity to examine our lives, shed the baggage of the past, and embark on a journey toward spiritual growth. The concept of teshuvah (repentance) plays a central role during this time. The very word "teshuvah" implies a return, a return to Hashem, our true selves, and the values we cherish. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how far we’ve strayed, we are never too distant for return and renewal.

The Gemara (Berakhot 34b:22) teaches that "in the place where penitents stand, even the full-fledged righteous cannot stand." This profound statement by Rabbi Abbahu speaks to the transformative power of teshuvah. The journey of one who has sinned but makes a sincere effort to return is so valued that their standing can even surpass that of the righteous. Rosh Hashanah, then, is not just a day of judgment but one of hope and empowerment, where each individual has the chance to rewrite their story.

In his writings, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks emphasized the unique dynamic of Rosh Hashanah. He highlighted the notion of Hashem as both king and father, reminding us that Rosh Hashanah is a day of judgment tempered with mercy. Rabbi Sacks beautifully described this time as a celebration of life itself, a reaffirmation that every year brings the opportunity for a fresh start. Hashem is not looking for perfection but for progress, for movement toward goodness and sincerity.

This aligns with Reish Lakish’s famous teaching in the Gemara (Yoma 86b:3) that teshuvah is so powerful that even intentional sins can be transformed into merits. When we engage in sincere repentance, not only do we erase the wrongs of the past, but we also elevate them. The very mistakes we made can become stepping stones toward a better future.

This idea resonates deeply with the wisdom of Pirkei Avot (4:16), where Rabbi Yaakov teaches that "this world is like a hallway before the world to come; prepare yourself in the hallway so you may enter the banquet hall." Rosh Hashanah is the ultimate preparation, an opportunity to realign our path, taking the small but meaningful steps needed to shape our future.

In psychological terms, the concept of teshuvah is analogous to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which encourages individuals to accept what is outside their control while committing to actions that align with their values. The Jewish concept of teshuvah—returning to one’s true self and values, echoes the central ideas of ACT. Both emphasize that past actions need not define our future, and both offer a framework for turning mistakes into growth opportunities.

The verse from Hosea (14:2) says, “Return, O Israel, to the LORD your Hashem, for you have stumbled because of your sin.” The call to return is not a command to be perfect but an invitation to be real, to acknowledge our missteps, and to use them as a springboard toward renewal. Just as ACT encourages people to mindfully accept the present moment while committing to value-driven actions, Rosh Hashanah calls on us to face our past honestly and move forward with renewed purpose.

As the Midrash in Psalms (90:7) teaches, teshuvah was created even before the world itself. It’s built into the fabric of creation, meaning that the opportunity to change and grow is always present, available at any time. This aligns with Buber’s notion of "turning," which he describes as a deep, transformative movement from separation to connection, from alienation to wholeness.

Three Practical Tips for Rosh Hashanah

1. Reflect and Acknowledge: Take a moment during the prayers of Rosh Hashanah to reflect on the past year. Don’t shy away from the missteps, but rather see them as opportunities for growth. As the Mishnah Yoma (8:9) teaches, teshuvah that is sincere and not mechanical has the power to transform us. Ask yourself: What do I wish to carry forward, and what can I leave behind?

   
   

2. Set Values-Based Intentions: Following the principles of ACT, focus on what matters most to you. Instead of making rigid resolutions, commit to aligning your actions with your core values. In Mishneh Torah, Maimonides emphasizes that complete teshuvah occurs when one is faced with the same situation but chooses a different, better path. Identify a value that has been neglected, and make it your focus for the coming year.

   
   

3. Embrace Small, Meaningful Steps: Rabbi Yaakov’s teaching in Pirkei Avot reminds us that even one hour of repentance and good deeds in this world surpasses anything in the world to come. Change doesn’t need to be monumental or immediate. Start small. Each action taken in the direction of teshuvah, no matter how tiny, can create ripples of transformation in your life.

   
   

Rosh Hashanah is a celebration of new beginnings, a reminder that we are never trapped by our past mistakes. The process of teshuvah—like the principles of ACT—asks us to accept our past and present while committing to a future aligned with our values. As Rabbi Abbahu taught, those who embark on this journey of return can attain spiritual heights even beyond the righteous.

May this Rosh Hashanah inspire us all to return, renew, and rebuild our lives with hope, intention, and purpose. Let this be a year of growth, where our actions reflect our deepest values, and where we continually turn toward the better versions of ourselves.